Today is Sunday, January 9th and I've really nothing new to post. There's a lot going on in the world (the not so new omicron variant, political division, climate change, etc.), but at home here in Texas, my main thoughts are tuned in on putting Christmas decorations away (still working on that), going through all the trash mail that has accumulated lately, and deciding what to cook for supper tonight (earth shattering stuff, right?).
Don't get me wrong, I'm know how lucky we are that these are my main concerns at the moment. We're not rich, and we're not totally without some health issues, family concerns, etc., but in the great scheme of things, life has been good.
Sometimes it feels kitschy... (not sure I'm using this word right, but it's the best I can come up with at the moment)... to talk about mundane things in a world in crisis (is that an exaggeration?). But our individual lives go on and things like this are how we spend our days. As I listen to DH talking to his brother on the phone (mostly football stuff and/or old memories from their childhood), I consider the possibility of Skyping or Zooming with my cousin this afternoon.
I love this technology... and although it seems to replace talking on the phone for the most part - just as texting has replaced letter writing (I still do both... letter writing probably a bit more than talking on the phone - as I like to write). I have even saved letters my kids wrote to me when they were in college or just married, etc. I love to go back and read them on occasion. I even kept the emails my daughter sent me the first few weeks after her daughter was born (memories of bygone days - since that granddaughter is now 20).
Now it's Monday and of course I haven't posted this yet. I did get to talk to my cousin on Zoom yesterday. I really do enjoy this available technology as seeing the person you're talking with makes you feel closer than all the miles separating you. I miss my cousins and their families and since we can't physically visit these days, it is nice to be able to do this. I think this pandemic and all that it entails is making people realize how much we need each other... something we possibly weren't so aware of in pre-pandemic days.
Quick update: Just back from my Cardiologist appointment. He went over all the tests and basically said that my heart is in good shape, despite a little valve leakage and some premature ventricular contractions. I asked if the episodes I have are due to nocturnal hypertension or just old age. He said possibly both. Told me to take the Rx Propranolol if needed (if my bp gets higher than 150 in the night) and to see him in 6 months. He would like me to do an annual echocardiogram just to make sure the valve leakages didn't get any worse. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the outcome.
OK, enough ramblings for today. I read this next poster and thought how simple life would be if we just did this...
Thanks for reading and hope
you are all having a good January so far...
Hugs (virtual),
Rian
* If you're so inclined, tell me what you think of all the new technology we're seeing today. What is your favorite? Your least favorite?... and why. My absolute favorite is my iPhone... because it keeps me connected with family and friends in so many ways - and keeps info at my fingertips (as my memory tends to take a short vacation when I need it most). I have other favorites... and some not so favs, but I'll go into those in another post.
If only humans could keep life simple.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the appointment with the cardiologist went well, that's great news overall.
I have a love/hate relationship with tech these days. We need it, but there's too much of it in my life and not enough in-person connection, for pandemic reasons of course. That said, texting with friends far away has been a godsend. The old fashioned phone has been great too!
Take care and stay well. 🙂
I tend to love my iPhone because of the ability to send pics along with texts or emails... so nice when it comes to kids and grandkids (also handy when you're shopping and want to show someone something on the spot). And of course I love my laptop or I couldn't blog, Skype, or Zoom. But I'm not saying it beats the in-person connection... just glad it's an option. You stay warm and stay well too!
DeleteI think I love my iPhone the best, too. It's become my go-to camera and I put my grocery list on there as well. I do sometimes wonder what life would be like if I didn't have that wonderful technology. Thanks for the great post with thoughtful reminders. I don't have one, but I think that Alexa usage is my least favorite technology. It seems a little dangerous to me. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy iPhone may be my favorite, but the laptop would be next. As far as tech that I'm NOT fond of, you are right about Alexa... don't have that and don't think I want it. And I'm not sure if this is a wonder of technology, but I'm beginning to love my Breville toaster air fryer. It's so simple to use and so useful - as it cooks everything from toast to cookies to chicken to air frying french fries, etc.
DeleteMy phone, hands down, is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely... mine too.
DeleteGood news on your cardiologist appointment. Reading about the regular happenings of others is appreciated. It reminds me there are others who are continuing to live their lives as best they can despite of the current world events. I read a lot of posts by women, and I love hearing about their "herstory".
ReplyDeleteMy Google mini has been a fun addition to the house. I ask it to set timers or reminders almost every day, check the weather, and if a question comes to mind I holler that at her. Sometimes it's annoying, when it misunderstands me but we get along fairly well. :) I couldn't live without my cellphone either - because I don't have a land line anymore. It also allows me to facetime with my grandson and I use it to keep my grocery and other to-do lists. Then there is my laptop - it's my connection to the blogging world, as well as FB (friends and family), and the latest project on Ancestry.
Take care, stay well.
We don't have a landline anymore either, Mae. I think iPhones and laptops are high on a lot of lists. I'm not familiar with Google mini but I'm guessing it's maybe like Alexa? I use Google on my iPhone all the time... instant answers for almost any question. Absolutely amazing! This is a miracle for those of us who grew up having to use a dictionary/encyclopedia or running to the library for research.
DeleteSo glad about your cardio report and glad he will be keeping an eye on things. As for technology, I have no cell service so I am stuck with my landline but am grateful for that. And my laptop--I would be seriously stressed with out that. All this isolation would be horrid with out either. At least we can stay in touch with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteYes, Patti, staying in touch means a lot...
DeleteRian, I think it's very thoughtful of you to wonder about 'appropriate subjects' when the world seems in crisis, but it's nice to read about the sweet, odd, funny events in our lives as life goes on. I liked your technology question, because it amazes me, all the gadgets that have come along in 20 years. I'd have to say my favorite by a mile is my Dragon Tablet with a 10" touchscreen. It works just as well as a much pricier ipad, allows me to read books & emails & watch videos every night before I go to sleep and only cost me $149! I mainly use my laptop for blogging & doing taxes now. Okay I ramble too much... good to hear about your positive prognosis too. :^)
ReplyDeleteDug, I have never heard of a Dragon tablet... but I'm guessing it's similar to other ipads (but possibly less expensive?). I've never had an ipad... just my phone and my laptop. And I imagine that we will have to upgrade our iPhones soon as we have the iPhone 6... and I think they're up to 13 now. My son gave me a Amazfit and a Kardia for Christmas - more amazing technology.
Deletei would have to agree with you about the iPhone, i wish i could get my mom to try one. she has macular degeneration and she just can't/won't understand how much it would help her!!
ReplyDeleteit is going to be a long winter when it comes to finding interesting topics to write about on our blogs. maybe we can all just enjoy keeping in touch with one another!!
good news on your heart...from your writings, it has always sounded like you have a good one!!
Debbie, I don't know how bad your mom's macular degeneration is... but being able to make the print larger and brighter on both the iPhone and the laptops is great.
DeleteAs for topics to blog about... I find it interesting to read or see what others are doing or thinking and what their 'worlds' revolve around.
https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/vegtrug-wood-elevated-planter-ulpc1003.html
DeleteLove that poster. The solutions to so many of our problems are simple - reach out and connect.
ReplyDeleteI am so very happy that your news from the specialist was good.
Thanks, EC. The solutions sound so simple, but aren't always.
DeleteLast year when I went for my physical I found out I too have premature ventricular contractions. Never even heard of them before. But I have them now. I tell my wife it's too much stress. She counters: it's too much dessert. Oh well, apparently they're not that serious. You just keep monitoring them. So ... glad you're in good shape.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom. No, I don't think the pvc's are that serious either (but I can't help but laugh at the term - sounds like some sort of a pipe problem). And the leakage in my valves... sounds like an old car.
DeleteI, unlike my husband, am not good at staying in tough via phone or video. I wish I was, but I am not (and yes, I know that sounds stupid.)
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I'm not that fond of talking on the phone... but texting, Skyping, and Zooming, I find fun. So easy to send a pic with a "Good Morning, How are you today?"
DeleteFor not having much to say, you supplied an entertaining and thoughtful post! May health and joy fill your 2022 days.
ReplyDeleteThanks, LC. My mind does tend to run on...
DeleteI like the video calls way more than I thought I ever would.
ReplyDeleteYes, I like the ones one on one... when 6 or more try to get together, I find it a bit overwhelming.
DeleteEnjoyed this post. Oh, we are so far behind with all the new technology, we both still carry little flip phones that do nothing but make phone calls and text. So, the laptop is my favorite. How wonderful to hear your cardiologist say your heart is in good shape. That's great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Henny. The kids keep us updated on new technology... son gave me an Amazfit and a
DeleteKardia for Christmas. Luckily grandson that lives with us showed me how to work them.
I like your list for keeping life simple!
ReplyDeleteI like Zoom because I get to talk to a friend halfway around the world (who I met blogging). I would never have imagined this would be possible, and yet, here we are.
Thanks, Sandi. Here we are... wonderful technology, crazy pandemic. It is what it is.
DeleteMy favorite is my phone. Everything at the touch of a finger... I can connect all thru my phone...laptop, desktop, even my smart tv. It's an amazing toy. And even after years of use, I learn something new often.
ReplyDeleteGreat news with cardiologist!!!!
iPhones or cell phones seem to be most people's favorite, Anni. Sometimes I wonder how 'smart' our tech gadgets will get.
Delete